István Cave
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The István Cave (St. Stephen Cave) is a dripstone cave in Miskolc-Lillafüred, Northern Hungary.
The cave was formed in the Triassic period and is about 710 m long. It was discovered in 1913 (according to local legend a dog fell into the 15 meters deep shaft which was the cave's only natural opening, and the people found the cave when they rescued the dog.) Cavers began to explore it in 1927. Another entrance was made for the tourists, and in 1931 the cave was opened for the public.
During World War II the cave was damaged: many of the stalagmites and stalactites were broken by people seeking refuge from air raids. The lighting was repaired only in 1955, and the cave was opened to public again.
The cave is still being explored, only a part of it can be visited. Its deepest known area is named Hell. The most beautiful dripstone structures are the Mammut's Mouth (jokingly also called "mother-in-law's teeth"), Fairyland, Column Hall and Concert Hall. The inner caverns are presumably connected with water drains, because in 1958 and 1974 water filled the cave.
Because of the ligting, moss appeared in the cave. This problem was solved by installing a different kind of lighting.
The air in the cave is very clear and has a high humidity, patients with respiratory illness are treated here.
